Work Experience Student at Pinsent Masons

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

8/10

Each student is allocated to a different practice group each day where there is a trainee who supervises you. The tasks range from research work to helping out on specific cases and client work. Your trainee will often set you work however solicitors within the department often allocate you tasks as well. For example on one occasion I had to draft a table containing issues between two firms entering into a contractual agreement. You are able to interact with solicitors and trainees in your department and sometimes may also be given the chance to attend court or client meetings.

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

8/10

I was able to enhance my communication skills by interacting with trainees and solicitors. I also developed skills such as attention to detail and commercial awareness by working on specific cases and gained more confidence through speaking to fellow colleagues.

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

9/10

I certainly enjoyed the week and was made to feel welcome by everyone at the firm. I was able to gain a valuable insight into the work that a corporate firm does, while also gaining experience into specific practice groups. The programme exceeded my expectations with all the work set being relevant and interesting. I also got on well with the other work experience students and trainees that I worked with throughout the week.

4. How valued do you feel by Pinsent Masons?

9/10

I feel highly valued. All the trainees and solicitors were very friendly and made the experience a lot easier by always being prepared to talk and answer questions. The programme was well organised and there was a real sense that the firm wanted you to gain experience in the corporate working environment.

5. How well organised/structured is your programme?

9/10

As mentioned the programme is very well organised, more so than any of my previous work experience placements. The presentations each morning felt well structured to students looking to enter the legal field and the tasks set each day were all relevant and interesting.

6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?

8/10

The trainees are very helpful and always available to answer questions or queries via email and in person. There was never a sense that you were wasting their time and they always felt open to helping with any work and making sure you understood the task at hand.

6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?

8/10

The HR team is also very helpful and the work experience organiser is always accessible by email if you have any queries.

7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?

6/10

The experience is only a week long hence is unpaid. Food costs are fairly reasonable as there was a canteen with subsidised prices.

8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?

5/10

While the firm does offer many social and sporting events, nothing was really organised for work experience students.

9. Would you recommend Pinsent Masons to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

Pinsent Masons provide a well organised and interesting work experience scheme which enables you to gain a valuable insight into a corporate law firm. The tasks set were always relevant and the opportunity to network and communicate with trainees is beneficial. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and would recommend it to anyone considering applying.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Pinsent Masons?

Make sure your application is detailed and well thought out. Research the firm before applying and indicate how this opportunity would benefit you.